This is one of the most critical tests you will ever take in your life, and you want to make sure that you are as prepared as possible. The first step is knowing what you can and cannot bring into the SAT testing room with you. Can you bring a bag or something else? Should you leave every little thing at home? Here we will find it out!
What Can You Bring With You for SAT?
The belongings you can take for the exam are determined by the College Board and the test center. They want to make sure that cheating does not occur during exam time, so the rules are pretty strict. You are only allowed to bring a few things with you into the room where you will be taking the SAT. These items are the following.
-Your Admission Ticket:
This is one of the most important things you will need on test day. Without it, you will not be able to enter the testing room and take the SAT. Be sure to put this in a safe place where you will not lose it and remember to bring it with you on test day!
-An Acceptable Photo ID:
You will also need to bring a form of identification with you in order to take the SAT. This can be a passport, driver’s license, state ID, or school ID. The ID must be current and have your name, photo, and signature on it. Without it, you will not be allowed to take the test.
-An Acceptable Calculator:
You are allowed to bring a calculator with you into the testing room, but it must be an approved one. The only calculators that are allowed are four-function (with square root), scientific, or graphing calculators. You cannot use any type of calculator that has Internet connectivity, a QWERTY keyboard, or is capable of text storage or retrieval. Be sure to check with the College Board to see if your calculator is on the list of approved types before bringing it with you on test day.
-An Extra Battery or Two:
It is always a good idea to bring extra batteries for your calculator just in case the ones in it die during the test. This way, you will not have to worry about your calculator not working during the exam.
-A Pencil or Two:
This is the same, without pencils you simply can not take the test!
-An Eraser:
You will need an eraser in case you make any mistakes on your answer sheet. Be sure to bring one that is big enough to erase the entire bubble for each answer.
-The Watch Accepted by Committee:
If you don’t bring an alarm watch, you’ll be able to keep track of how much time you spend on the exam. You must verify that your watch is functioning before entering; otherwise, it may be a major letdown.
-Facial mask:
In case you have a cold or any other reason why you might need one. Usually, they don`t provoke questions.
-Water and snacks:
Between exams, you will have a break, and you will be able to leave the building to have a meal. If you want, you can bring water and snacks with you, but they must be in a clear plastic bag.
Can You Bring a Bag to the SAT?
To stay organized, you may bring a backpack to the SAT since you can keep everything inside. This is simply a method of keeping your things organized so that you don’t lose or misplace any of the vital materials required for the exam.
But note, that your bag will be subject to search before you can enter the testing room. The only other type of bag allowed is a clear plastic or Ziploc bag that is no larger than 1 quart in size. This bag can only hold your snacks, water, and facial mask.
As you can see, there are not many things you are allowed to bring with you into the SAT testing room. Be sure to check with the College Board and your test center to find out what else you may need on test day. And don’t forget, the most important thing you can bring with you is a positive attitude and the determination to do your best!
What You Should Not Take for the Exam?
There are some students who bring with themselves to the SAT certain objects that are not allowed in the testing room. These items can range from phones to food and everything in between. Be sure to avoid bringing any of the following items with you on test day:
-Any type of phone, including smartwatches:
This is obvious, that a person cannot use a phone during the test, as it can be used to cheat.
-Any type of weapon:
This should go without saying, but you are not allowed to bring any type of weapon into the testing room. This includes guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.
–Any type of electronic device:
In addition to phones, you are not allowed to bring any other type of electronic device into the testing room. This includes laptops, tablets, e-readers, etc.
-Any type of notes or study materials:
You are not to bring any notes or study materials into the testing room with you. This includes textbooks, flashcards, etc.
-Colored pencils, highlighters, or pens:
You are only allowed to use a pencil on the answer sheet, so do not bring any other type of writing utensil with you.
-Wrappers or containers:
Be sure to finish your snacks before entering the testing room as you are not allowed to bring wrappers or containers into the testing room with you.
-Dictionaries:
You don’t need dictionaries since they will help you with your English test. You should be aware of what you should and should not bring for the SAT subject test.
What if You Brought Something Unallowed?
In case you entered the examination room and forgot to leave your phone at home or in the car, don’t worry! The proctor will take it away and keep it until the end of the test. The same goes for any other unallowed items.
However, sometimes it may happen that the proctor asks you to leave the room if you brought something unallowed. If this happens, don’t argue and just do as you’re told. It is better to forfeit the test than to get kicked out and not be able to take it at all!
You Forgot Something of Vital Importance
Your calculator is out of batteries? You didn’t bring a spare pencil? Don’t worry, the proctor will have some spare materials, and you will be able to borrow what you need from him or her. However, don’t rely on the proctor too much. It is always better to come prepared!
As you can see, there are a few things to remember when it comes to what you can and cannot bring with you into the SAT testing room. Be sure to review this list before test day so that you can avoid any potential problems. And finally, relax and do your best – you’ve got this!
Prepare Yourself for the SAT Test Day
The very day of the examination is pretty important. If you want everything to go well, you should know what to expect and how to behave.
The most important thing is to be on time. You will have to enter the testing room before 8:45 AM. The doors will be closed at 8:55 AM, and if you are late, you won’t be able to enter. So, be sure to arrive early!
Your breakfast should be satisfying but not too heavy. A lot of students think that they shouldn’t eat anything because they might feel nauseous during the test. This is wrong. You need some food for energy, so don’t skip breakfast!
Be sure to dress comfortably. You will be sitting for long periods of time, so you don’t want to be uncomfortable in your clothing. Besides, if you feel blue or something, it is better to wear clothes that will cheer you up.
During the SAT test, you will be allowed to take a break after the third section. You will have a 10-minute break to use the restroom and get something to eat or drink. Be sure to take advantage of this break!
When the test is over, you should check your work one more time and then hand in your answer sheet. Don’t forget to double-check that you have put your name and other required information on the answer sheet!
After the test, you should relax and think positive thoughts. The test is over, and there is nothing you can do to change your answers. Just wait for your results and hope for the best!
Bottom Line
So, can you bring a bag to the SAT? Or any other thing? The answer is: it depends. You are allowed to bring some things with you, while other things are not allowed. Be sure to review the list of what you can and cannot bring before test day so that you can avoid any potential problems. And finally, relax and do your best – you’ve got this!